Thank You For Your Service

“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.” -Thomas Dunn English

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”  -Cynthia Ozick

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” ~Maya Angelou

http://youtu.be/7NCZ4l8FCFc  Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree~Tony Orlando & Dawn

In Flanders Field
Written by Lt. Col John McCrae/1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw,
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.


Today is Veterans Day~the day when we honor and celebrate those brave men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces.   I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to them here today.
For those who don’t know, Veterans Day also coincides with Armistice-Remembrance Day.  Now, I’ll admit that I’ve never been real clear on what Armistice Day was exactly?   I knew it had something to do with World War I, and I’m certain back when I was in school, I memorized it for the history test that I knew it would be asked on.   I’m embarrassed to state that piece of history didn’t stick in my brain.  Today, however,  I looked that little piece of information up.   As with Veterans Day, Armistice or “Remembrance” Day is commemorated every year on November the 11th.  It marks the ending of the first World War – when the armistice, i.e. truce was signed between the allies of that war and Germany.  Here’s the cool thing about Armistice Day: it took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918.   In many countries around the world today, a moment of silence is observed at 11:00 a.m., as a sign of respect to the approximately 20 million people who died in WWI.
In our country, this is a day when we celebrate all who have fought past and present in our armed forces.  It came about because Raymond Weeks, a WWII Veteran, sought to expand Armistice Day as a day to remember all veterans, not just those who had fought and died in the first world war.  Weeks led the first national celebration of Veterans Day in 1947.  It became a nationally observed holiday in 1954.
Today, there are no family stories or anecdotes. Today, I just wanted to say thank you to all the men and women who have donned a uniform for one of the branches of our armed forces and who have valiantly served and still serve our country. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.  We would not enjoy the freedoms we do in this country if it were not for each one of you — standing guard—keeping watch—manning posts —standing on the front-line of defense. You are all our heroes and she-roes.   Today, we honor you with heartfelt gratitude for all that you do to protect and serve.  God Bless You All~